18 minute read
EURO 2020 CHAMPIONS
After many years of hurt and disappointment, Argentina striker and captain Lionel Messi finally won a trophy with the national team in the just concluded Copa America. The Argentine captain had been the subject of mockery and constant derision by his critics, who pointed at his barren trophy spell with the national team to discredit him. The Argentina captain had won every possible trophy at club level. But on the international stage, he had nothing to show. The question: ‘what has Messi won for Argentina?’ always accompanied arguments regarding who the greatest player is. Pele, Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo had won international trophies, but Messi had none. More than ever, the Argentine captain was desperate to get his hands on the one trophy that had eluded him in his glorious career heading into the 2020 Copa America. Even his most loyal fans had taken the matter of Messi winning an international trophy personal, and were willing to sacrifice personal sentiment to see that he won with Argentina. For example, in Brazil, there were widespread reports that many of the Brazilian fans were set to cheer for Messi in the final ahead of their national team. Such was the desperation of his fans to win the trophy that they were willing to drop national interests to support Messi. However, everything changed this year for Messi. Luck was on his side while the many failures he has experienced in the past served as a lesson for him and his Argentina colleagues. Although he did not score in the final—he did not have to as it was time for others to step up—he has now ticked that box, and in so doing, solidified his claim as the best ever. The fact that he won the trophy was arguably the most spectacular event of the 2020 Copa America. This can be seen in the
After what appeared to be years of trying to decide if it will hold, the 2020/21 Copa America finally appeared and ended with a bang. From 13th of June to 10th of July 2021, ten of the best teams in CONMEBOL competed for the most significant South American national football team prize. The 2021 tournament was the 47th edition of the competition and was held in Brazil after CONMEBOL denied Colombia and Argentina hosting rights due to political and COVID-19 issues. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay were the ten teams who participated in the tournament. Qatar and Australia were invited to participate in the tournament, which was originally scheduled to hold in 2020. But because of the Covid-19 outbreak, they could not join. Despite the many discouragements and pre-tournament drama, the tournament was worth the wait as it served Argentina and exBarcelona’s greatest player, Lionel Messi, the opportunity to win his first major international trophy.
Advertisement
THE STATS
65 goals were scored in the 28 matches with Argentina emerging champions. They also finished as top scorers, registering 12 goals (excluding penalty shootouts)—one more than Brazil. Six red cards and 114 yellow cards were issued; with Colombia topping the discipline table with 19 yellow cards and one red card. Argentina’s Eminialo Martinez won the best keeper award after keeping four clean sheets in six matches including in the final against Brazil. Lionel Messi was voted the best player in the tournament and he also shared the top scorer gong with Luis Diaz of Colombia.
PRE-TOURNAMENT PROJECTIONS
Host nation Brazil seen as the tournament favourites with their obvious quality and strong showing leading up to the tournament. They were also defending champions and were playing on home turf. Meanwhile, the state of the Argentine national team heading into the tournament inspired little confidence in fans and pundits that they could win it. With a new and largely inexperienced coach, as well as their brushes with COVID-19, Argentina was expected to make it to the semis but not much further. But La Albiceleste, led by Messi surprised everyone to win their first Copa America since 1993 and their 15th in total. The trophy was the Argentine’s first for Argentina in the senior team set-up and will go a long way in establishing his status as an Argentina legend.
NEYMAR SHOWING
Apart from Messi, another player who had a strong showing in the 2020 Copa America was Neymar. The Brazilian was up until the semifinal round the best player in the tournament and was the main reason Brazil were
LEFT: Lionel Messi celebrates after winning his first ever International Trophy, Copa America 2021
BELOW: Messi carries his Player of the Tournament trophy
of trying to decide if it will hold, The 2021 tournament was the 47th edition of the competition and was held in Brazil after CONMEBOL denied
Colombia and Argentina hosting rights due to political and COVID-19 issues.
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay were the ten teams who participated in the tournament. Qatar and Australia were the opportunity to win his first major international trophy.
THE STATS
65 goals were scored in the 28 matches with Argentina emerging champions. They also finished as top scorers, registering 12 goals (excluding penalty shootouts)—one more than Brazil. Six red cards and 114 yellow cards were issued; with Colombia topping the discipline table with 19 yellow cards and one red card. Argentina’s Eminialo Martinez won the best keeper award after keeping four clean sheets in six matches including in the final against Brazil. Lionel Messi was voted the best player in the tournament and he also shared the top scorer gong with Luis Diaz of Colombia. little confidence in fans and pundits that they could win it. With a new and largely inexperienced coach, as well as their brushes with COVID-19, Argentina was expected to make it to the semis but not much further. But La Albiceleste, led by Messi surprised everyone to win their first Copa America since 1993 and their 15th in total. The trophy was the Argentine’s first for Argentina in the senior team set-up and will go a long way in establishing his status as an Argentina legend.
NEYMAR SHOWING
Apart from Messi, another player who had a strong showing in the 2020 Copa America was Neymar. The Brazilian was up until the semifinal round the best player in the tournament and was the main reason Brazil were
impact of his appearance in the final made on the tournament’s TV viewership. Up until the final, the average viewership for Copa America was 980,00 per game. Compared to the UEFA European Championship which held alongside the 2020 Copa America, this was a tiny figure. Viewership of the competition on the other side of the Atlantic was in their millions and even involved a good chunk of American viewers. But with Messi reaching the final and the opportunity of lifting a trophy, more people tuned in to watch. According to IPSOS who published data from beIN Sports, the final between Argentina and Brazil was watched by 36.1 million people from Africa, Asia and the Middle East. this figure was at least three times the total views for the group stage and quarter-final games. ESPN and other European channels also released data to show that the final grossed much viewership due to the involvement of Messi. Meanwhile, he was not just a passenger for an Argentina side that many claim were lucky to win; he was a key player for them. The number 10 was involved in nine out of the 12 goals Argentina scored. The trophy win cemented his place among Argentina’s great and has installed him as the favourite for this years’ Ballon d’Or.
considered the tournament’s favourites. The PSG forward was in scintillating form in the opening rounds and was looking hungry and ready to make up for lost time after missing the previous Copa campaign through injury. His two goals in the group stage saw him take his Brazil tally to 68 goals, just nine short of the World Cup legend Pele. Surpassing legends like Ronaldo and Romario in the scoring charts means that Neymar is in elite company. Despite missing out on the trophy, the winger would have made his country and family proud. With five goal involvements, he was selected in the tournament’s team of the tournament, joining the likes of Messi and compatriots Marquinhos and Casemiro in the best XI. He created more chances than any player in the tournament (18 chances) and was his side’s creative outlet through the tournament. He might still be missing a major trophy to solidify his international status, but Neymar’s legendary status in Brazil is already sure. Despite what happens after now, when he finally hangs up his boots, he will be remembered as one of Brazil’s best players ever.
RIGHT: Messi will continue to win individual awards at PSG
BOTTOM LEFT: Messi had an outstanding career at Barcelona
BOTTOM RIGHT: Messi being presented in Paris for the first time
QATAR READY
And so, unto the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. With the 2020 Copa America now out of the way, all eyes have now turned to the Middle East showpiece. However, based on the evidence of the 2020 Copa America, it is hard to predict plain sailing for South American teams in the upcoming tournament. Apart from Brazil and now Argentina, the other teams in the CONMEBOL have shown no sign of improvement. Instead, what is we are witnessing is retrogression. Teams like Uruguay and Chile have lost their identity and the members of the group that made them fearful teams. Colombia, despite their third-place finish in the 2020 Copa, might find it di cult to match up against average European teams like Denmark and Poland. There was a time when South American teams were always the favourites for the World Cup. But if the quality of football played in the 2020 Copa is considered, especially when compared to that played in Euro 2020, it is di cult to predict anything but a bleak future for South American teams in Qatar next year. Although the good news is that there is still a year of football to play before the World With the 2020 Copa America behind him and with his stock higher than ever, Messi returned to Spain and Barcelona with the intent of once again dominating Spain and in extension Europe. While in South America, the Barca captain had become a free agent as his contract with Barca has expired. Despite this, no other clubs were lurking to sign him, as the striker was fully focused on national team duties. He was also committed to renewing his contract with Barca. Talks with the Spanish club had progressed well before Messi left to attend to Copa America duties. On his return, media reports claimed that a new two-year contract had been agreed between Messi’s entourage and the club. The contract, they claimed, will see Messi take a salary cut, or take a wage deferral as some media outlets reported. Whatever the details were, the perceived consensus was the Messi was staying at Braca. All was set and ready for Messi to remain in Spain for at least another two years. But a minor detail was hindering the deal—the La Liga salary cap. The impact of the COVID-19 on Spanish football meant that La Liga had to introduce a salary cap for clubs to regulate finances. Barcelona was one club with an overblown salary structure. The club was hoping to shed some players o the wage list to accommodate the re-registration of Lionel Messi. But in the end, they could not manage the intricacies of the deal and had to watch their most beloved son leave the club for nothing after 21 years. PSG, who had been courting the Argentine for years, were the takers. The Paris club had been flirting with the Argentine and had even had Neymar, Di Maria and Icardi speak openly about playing with Messi. The French giants have dominated Ligue 1 for years. But they have enjoyed little success in Europe despite the pool of resources and quality players and managers they have had at their disposal. But with a highly motivated Messi, they now have a fair chance of winning the one trophy that has eluded them. Messi, who has never hidden his desire to win the Champions League again, sees this as a perfect opportunity to win his fourth Champions League trophy. Although the Parisians signed Messi for free, the money involved in the transaction is astronomical—not that PSG is complaining. The Qatari backed club always has money to spend and are not bordered by FFP rules. His salary and contract at PSG has made him the highest-paid football player ever, but it doesn’t matter. Despite the numbers involved in the deal, Messi and PSG are a perfect match and the deal is without question the biggest steal of the summer.
Cup comes round. Hopefully, the CONMEBOL teams will be able to sort themselves out before the tournament comes up. They will now pray the COVID-19 pandemic allows them time and space to build themselves up as they prepare to take on other teams next year.
FAR LEFT (OPPOSITE PAGE): Neymar celebrating after scoring a goal for Brazil
LEFT: Messi and Neymar embrace during the Copa America 2021 Finals
2020 EURO CHAMPIONS
eading into Euro 2020, many pundits
Hhad earmarked Belgium and France as the heavy favourites to feature in the showpiece final at Wembley on July 11. Portugal were also thrown into the mix, predominantly because of Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence, whilst some were willing to take a punt on England after the Three Lions’ impressive run at the 2018 World Cup. Plus, Gareth Southgate’s side had the benefit of playing nearly all of their matches in London. Even Spain were considered contenders, despite La Roja being a far cry from the team who dominated the international scene from 2008 to 2012. Not many were sold on Italy, however. Although some believed the Azzurri had what it took to go all the way, most were dismissive of Roberto Mancini’s side. That’s despite Italy, like Belgium, coming into the competition having won all 10 of their qualifying matches. Yet unlike the Red Devils, the Azzurri had actually won major international titles before, including the European Championship in 1968. Indeed, it seemed like Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup was a sticking point for most people. For the four-time world champions, losing in the play-o s to Sweden in 2017 was their nadir, as many Azzurri fans weren’t even born the last time they missed out on the World Cup back in 1958. Then there were those who expressed concern about the team’s strikers, singling out players like Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne, who consistently delivered for their respective clubs Lazio and Napoli, but hadn’t exactly set the world alight for their country. Still, these doubts didn’t seem to bother Italy or coach Mancini much. The former forward was appointed commissario tecnico on May 14, 2018. Four months after taking over, the Azzurri’s FIFA ranking dropped to 21. That was the lowest ever position for a country traditionally considered among the world’s elite. Yet, it now appears that this was exactly the impetus Italy needed to shake themselves out of their funk and get back on track. On September 10, 2018, Andre Silva’s goal was enough to decide a Nations League match in favour of Portugal. That’s the last time Italy
FAR LEFT: Leonardo Bonucci posing with the UEFA Euro 2020 Trophy
LEFT: Star striker Chiesa kissing the UEFA Euro 2020 Trophy
2020 EURO CHAMPIONS
lost. When they took to the pitch for the Euro 2020 final against England on July 11, Italy had already made history. They were 33 games unbeaten, and in going one further have ensured this team will be talked about for generations to come. The ascent from their lowest point in 2017 to the pinnacle of European football has naturally been a measured process, with Italy benefitting from the lack of expectation, and subsequently pressure, put on their shoulders. Quietly in the background, as most were focused on whether France would add a European title to their World Cup triumph, or if Belgium - who are ranked number one in the world but have nothing really to show for it in terms of silverware - would finally end their hoodoo, Italy were slowly rebuilding. After a rather uninspiring performance at the inaugural Nations League tournament, they turned their attention towards qualifying for Euro 2020. Thirteen months after their narrow loss to Portugal, Mancini’s men secured their spot with three games to spare following a 2-0 win over Greece. In winning all 10 of their games, they became only the sixth side in history to achieve this, after France, the Czech Republic, Spain, Germany and England. Although Euro 2020 ended up being pushed back to 2021 due to Covid-19, it certainly didn’t interrupt Italy’s stride. In fact, it probably helped. The Azzurri finished top in their Nations League group in the interim and will take part in the finals later on this year, while they wasted no time in announcing their intentions at the Euros. Italy faced Turkey at the Stadio Olimpico in the tournament’s curtain-raiser and after a tense first half, it didn’t take long for them to overwhelm their visitors. The opener was an own goal by Merih Derimal, but it was the e orts from Immobile and Insigne that truly exemplified this new-look Italy side. Their performances went a long way towards boosting both players’ confidence, as the duo responded to the criticism of their international displays. Meanwhile, Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli became a household name thanks to
TOP RIGHT: Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers refereed the Euro 2020 final and produced another strong performance
RIGHT: The penalty awarded to the Czech Republic against Croatia for Dejan Lovren’s perceived foul on Patrik Schick was arguably one of the worst moments for VAR at Euro 2020 As football continues to forge its path through the new age of VAR, Oli Coates assesses the standard of o ciating at Euro 2020…
This summer’s European Championship felt like we rescued a successful tournament out of the jaws of defeat. From the pandemic to the pan-continental format, Christian Eriksen’s collapse and the ugly scenes at the final, there was so much going against Euro 2020. Yet one thing which causes so much controversy on a weekly basis in domestic football barely raised an eyebrow at the Euros - VAR. Yes, there were some controversial moments involving refereeing decisions. Most notably, perhaps, was the furore surrounding a penalty awarded to England in extra time of their semi-final against Denmark. But the video assistant referee (VAR) was unable to conclusively prove there was no touch on Raheem Sterling, indeed seeming to show the English forward felt contact and therefore, while going down easily, could not be judged to have clearly and obviously dived.
On the whole, though, the video assistant referees kept an extremely low profile at the Euros. In fact, the majority of the tournament saw a light touch approach not only to VAR intervention, but to o ciating in general. Most games were allowed to flow, with the majority of referees refusing to buy the playacting and gamesmanship that often rears its ugly head at major international tournaments. The result was a championship which saw lots of free-flowing football and plenty of goals. There were some tight and cagey a airs once we reached the latter stages, which is to be expected. But Euro 2020 set a new record for the average number of goals scored per game, producing the highest total since the introduction of the group stage in 1980. The 51 fixtures produced 142 goals, at an average of 2.8 per game. As such, the approach to o ciating at the Euros has to be praised. There are always going to be controversial moments given the high stakes, but the fact that the o cial in the middle or the VAR team were the topic of conversation on such few occasions means it has to be judged as a success. Indeed, the o ciating has received lots of praise, not least with respect to Anthony Taylor’s handling of the Eriksen situation. Extra resources were committed to Euro 2020, including the appointment of an in-game VAR o cial who focused solely on o side calls. That meant there was a VAR, assistant VAR and o side VAR for each fixture. Despite that, o side calls were probably the worst element of the o ciating at the Euros. Television viewers were usually left in the dark on o side calls, with instant replays almost non-existent. Sometimes there would be no image of the call until long after play continued, if at all.
